New waterfront residences at ParkLane Homes’ Bedford Landing community in Fort Langley offer homebuyers unparalleled views of the Fraser River ›› p.4
August 27, 2009
Wake up to the Fraser in Fort Langley Waterfront residences are selling at ParkLane Homes’ Bedford Landing Majestic and mighty, the historic Fraser River slowly wends its way toward the Pacific Ocean, its waters rippling in lazy swirls and lapping at the shoreline along the way. Nestled in a picturesque enclave fronting the river’s Bedford Channel, Waterfront at Bedford Landing is Fort Langley’s first “The and only apartment community ever response constructed on the has been Fraser River. Built incredible. by ParkLane Homes, the entire Bedford We have development been selling Landing comprises several difout quicker ferent home types in than we ever a 78-acre community. Waterfront homes – could have apartment residences expected.” designed to maximize the views of the river and surrounding neighbourhood – are now more than 75 per cent sold. Designed exclusively for active adults aged 45-plus, Waterfront also includes eight limited edition townhomes with unobstructed water views, all featuring private and secure parking and a front door leading directly to the riverfront walkway. While only 17 of the 70 apartment residences remain for sale and ready to move into this fall, sales for the townhomes will start in September. “Imagine waking up to this view every day,” says sales manager Ken Klassen. As well as the riverfront scenery, the CONTINUED ON P.4
Peter Simpson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, is among many in B.C.’s housing industry who are concerned about how the HST will affect new homebuyers. Tricia Leslie photo
Disharmony over HST growing Harmonized Sales Tax is not fair, say industry leaders TRICIA LESLIE More than 107,000 members have joined the ‘No B.C. HST’ Facebook group. The NDP’s petition to stop the Harmonized Sales Tax has more than 40,000 signatures. The anti-HST tweets on Twitter are
too numerous to count. The B.C. Real Estate Association has created a website solely for people to express their concerns about the HST. And former B.C. premier Bill Vander Zalm is leading the charge against the provincial government’s plan to harmonize the GST and PST (provincial sales tax), by organizing a rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Sept. 19 as a “kickoff for a people’s initiative against the HST.” Despite the outraged opposition against
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the plan to implement the HST, the B.C. government insists the harmonization plan is “the best thing” for the province’s economy and its residents. But many in the real estate industry are wondering how that can be so, when the HST will add thousands onto the price of an average home in every B.C. Census Metropolitan Area except Prince George, which is the only CMA in B.C. where the average CONTINUED ON P.2
‘‘ 2 • New Local Home | August 27, 2009
everyone’s talking about HST
Gordon Campbell, Global, live TV interview: “We’re moving forward with the HST because it’s the best thing we can do to encourage investment and jobs in our province.” Bill Vander Zalm, former B.C. premier: “Any time a government does a $2-billion-dollar tax grab, it’s going to cost jobs, not make jobs – except for more government and bigger bureaucracies.” Colin Hansen, British Columbia’s finance minister: “Contrary to what critics are saying, there is no tax windfall to the province in shifting to the HST.” Damian Stathonikos, director of communications and public relations, B.C. Real Estate Association: “We don’t really see it as a fair tax. Real estate seems to be the only sector where the consumer gets a double whammy and is hit twice with tax. We’re moving into the realm of punishing consumers for wanting to buy a home.” Gordon Campbell: “(The HST) was not a popular choice, but it was a necessary choice.” “I didn’t run to be popular, I ran to make the right decision for our economy to encourage investment to strengthen British Columbia.” Peter Simpson, GVHBA CEO: “The government is reluctant to give up cash cows... It’s frustrating – all these things (the government) said wouldn’t happen, are happening.” Colin Hansen: “What has been largely overlooked in the HST debate is the powerful economic boost that harmonization will provide. The overall economic benefits of shifting to the HST are significant.” Vander Zalm: “I’m sick and tired, mad and frustrated at being lied to and paying still more taxes when everyone else is expected to cut back or accept cutbacks by a government out of control.”
Two labourers work on some of the many new homes going up in South Surrey. The HST will add to the price of new homes that are more than $400,000. Tricia Leslie photo
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price of a home is under $400,000 (see graph). e:4-77;$&9! WXM^0//O WM0O'M W'/0]DM W( W/D0/X/ WOM0D^( W( W'(0((( W'(0((( W)0O'M W/O0D^( W/0]DM Housing industry representatives have Q:+:547&9! WO/]0)') W]0MM) W'^0)X^ W( W/O0M'O W^X0^MD W( W'(0((( W'(0((( WD(0MM) WX'0^MD W^0)X^ expressed concern about not being consulted 125+>3&6372#3&9! W/^/0X)D WO0'M( WD]0DMO WO0XO( WDM0))X WX/0^D) WO0XO( WD]0DMO W'/0^'O WM0'M( WDM0))X W( on the move to harmonize taxes before it was 127C5+>3 WMXO0O^/ WD'0)DD W/M0'M] W( WO(0D]) W])0X^] W( W'(0((( W'(0((( WDX0)DD W^M0X^] WDM0'M] announced, and have twice met with B.C. H7"2>3\&9?@90&E9ST!&9:->"-:%57+$ & Finance Minister Colin Hansen to discuss the + impact of the HST, but say no promises have “That was the final nail in the coffin, so to so it is hard to know what the exact financial 7@AB?+3%.'5'%&+ been made. speak. That showed that the government was consequences will be, Gioventu says. IA3&E25%5$A&97-"4<5:&S3:-&T$%:%3&!$$7>5:%57+&-77`$&B72F:28&%7&F72`5+#&F5%A&%A3&;27C5+>5:-&#7C32+43+%&%7&`33;&%A3&54;:>%&7B& “The bottom line for us is tax neutrality, so %A3&@HI&:$&45+54:-&:$&;7$$5<-3&%7&3+$"23&%A3&:%%:5+:<5-5%.&7B&A7"$5+#&B72&E25%5$A&97-"4<5:+$P&I7&%A:%&3+80&E9ST!&23>7443+8$& not interested in any dialogue or consultation, “We are asking a lot of questions to find out %A3&;27C5+>5:-&#7C32+43+%\& buyers of new homes don’t pay any more taxes period, ” Stathonikos says. what the impact will actually be,” he says. & Both the BCREA and the GVHBA are than they already do,” says Greater Vancouver Something for strata councils to look at, DP e33;&%A3&>7$%$&:$$7>5:%38&F5%A&<".5+#&:+8&$3--5+#&+3F&A743$0&3J5$%5+#&A743$0&>74432>5:-&;27;32%53$&:+8&4:R72& Home Builders’ Association CEO Peter Simptroubled about what the extra tax will mean Gioventu notes, is that if a contractor charges 23+7C:%57+&;27R3>%$&+3"%2:-&<.&F:.&7B&:+&3J34;%57+&7B&%A3&%:J&;27;7$38&7+&%A3&B33$&7B&A743&5+$;3>%72$0&:;;2:5$32$0& son. “What’s happened has happened. The for the 23:-&3$%:%3&-5>3+$33$&0+3$+(!0*4#.-$;(+)#<0+;#.=&&& renovation sector, and how it could fuel the 12 per cent HST on a service, he can claim announcement was made and we’ve expressed the reno& underground economy. Consumers it back as a rebate. our displeasure. Now we’re trying to figure out looking 'P Y+>23:$3&%A3&23<:%3&%A23$A7-8&7+&+3F&A7"$5+#&B274&%A3&;27;7$38&WX((0(((&%7&WO((0(((0&F5%A&%A3&%A23$A7-8&5+83J38& to save a buck may more frequently go Last week, Campbell appeared live on a TV B72&5+B-:%57+&:+8&:8R"$%38&:++":--.P&& how to mitigate the impact.” for a cash deal, instead of a reputable, certified news broadcast to defend the HST, saying, & The B.C. Real Estate Association has been renovation contractor. “We’re moving forward with the HST because /P !43+8&%A3&B-:%&23<:%3&7B&W'(0(((&%7&:&B5J38&;32>3+%:#3&23<:%3&7B&XN&B72&+3F&A743$&7C32&%A3&23<:%3&%A23$A7-8P& busy as well, and earlier this month, it released Letter-writing campaigns to MLAs, Hansen, it’s the best thing we can do to encourage & an HST report outlining the cost impact to Premier Gordon Campbell and others are well investment and jobs in our province.” XP !&%A233&.3:2&;A:$3&7"%&%A3&127;32%.&I2:+$B32&I:J&%7&23$%723&B:52+3$$&F5%A&23$;3>%&%7&<".32$&:+8&";A7-8&%A3&;25+>5;-3& homebuyers, and four recommendations for underway, along with petitions and anti-HST Hansen also wrote a column in a local 7B&%:J&+3"%2:-5%.\&& the province. ! H%:2%5+#&7+&,"-.&D0&'(D(0&5+>23:$3&%A3&DN&%:J&%A23$A7-8&%7&WO((0(((& online groups and blogs. On Monday, the paper, saying the HST will be great for the ! H%:2%5+#&7+&,"-.&D0&'(DD0&+7&127;32%.&I2:+$B32&I:J&7+&A743$&"+832&WO((0(((& Those recommendations include: keeping BCREA announced it has created a website for economy and denying that the $1.6 billion H%:2%5+#&7+&,"-.&D0&'(D'0&2347C3&%A3&127;32%.&I2:+$B32&I:JP& the costs associated with buying and selling the public !to voice its concerns about the HST. B.C. will get from the federal government for & homes, commercial properties and major On that site – www.bcrea.bc.ca/hst/hstaction. bringing in the HST is a “tax windfall.” renovation projects neutral by an exemphtmIA3&E25%5$A&97-"4<5:&S3:-&T$%:%3&!$$7>5:%57+&23;23$3+%$&D'&434<32&23:-&3$%:%3&<7:28$&:+8&%A352& – real estate agents and homebuyers are But the government is always “reluctant to tion of the tax proposed on the fees of encouraged to write letters to governgive up cash cows,” Simpson says, and notes +3:2-.&D]0(((&ST!UI*SHV&7+&:--&;27C5+>5:-&5$$"3$0&;27C585+#&:+&3J%3+$5C3&>744"+5>:%57+$&+3%F72`0& home inspectors, appraisers, real estate ment officials to express their dissatis$%:+8:28&B724$0&3>7+745>&23$3:2>A&:+8&:+:-.$5$0&#7C32+43+%&23-:%57+$0&:;;-538&;2:>%5>3&>7"2$3$& the HST impact would likely look a lot dif:+8&97+%5+"5+#&127B3$$57+:-&T8">:%57+P& licensees and notaries’ conveyances; faction with the HST. ferent if the government had adjusted rebate HST & increase the rebate threshold on new “Housing is an essential basic need thresholds years ago. in B.C.K($3#,(+.!*0!#$!"#$B*(:#..4(+-.$;(,,4!,#+!$!($4,B*()4+/$L2014!<$(:$M4:#$4+$%&$;(,,2+4!4#.>$ housing from $400,000 to $500,000; and a significant part of the B.C. “The federal government promised the E9ST!&$";;72%$&#27F%A&%A:%&3+>7"2:#3$&3>7+745>&C5%:-5%.0&;27C583$&A7"$5+#&7;;72%"+5%53$0& amend the flat rebate of $20,000 to a economy,” BCREA president John industry they would review thresholds and 23$;3>%$&%A3&3+C527+43+%&:+8&<"5-8$&>744"+5%53$&F5%A&#778&$>A77-$&:+8&$:B3&+35#A<7"2A778$P& & fixed-percentage rebate of four per cent Tillie says. “We hope the public will make adjustments to reflect the current reality. & for new homes over the rebate threshold; join with realtors across the province to They’ve never done it,” Simpson says. 6HI&23<:%3&5$&:$$"438&%7&<3&/^N&7B&6HI&%:J&B72&A743$&;25>38&";&%7&W/O(0(((g&4:J54"4&23<:%3&5$&W^0/((P&S3<:%3&5$&#2:8":--.&3-545+:%38&"$5+#&:&$%2:5#A%-5+3&43%A78& and implement a three-year phase out of the express their concern by writing to the governCurrent thresholds are based on the 1991 B72&A743$&;25>38&<3%F33+&W/O(0(((_&WXO(0(((& 127C5+>5:-&#7C32+43+%&;27C583$&:&ON&23<:%3&7+&%A3&;27C5+>5:-&;72%57+&7B&%A3&@HI&";&%7&W'(0(((0&:&B-:%&23<:%3&7B&W'(0(((&5$&;27C5838&%A323:B%32& Property Transfer Tax with respect to buyers ment. The HST is unfair to homebuyers and Statistics Canada New House Price Index, now E9&#7C32+43+%&:$$"43$&%A323&5$&:+&54<38838&1HI&7B&:<7"%&'N&5+&%A3&>7$%&7B&+3F&A743$& and to uphold the principle of tax neutrality. sellers, and the government must take action 18 years old. It means that homeowners of “We don’t really see it as a fair tax. Real to minimize the impact of this unfair tax on homes priced at more than $450,000 now pay estate seems to be the only sector where the consumers.” the full GST. But, if that threshold had been consumer gets a double whammy and is hit Another group that is attempting to find out adjusted, that rebate should now disappear betwice with tax. We’re moving into the realm what the HST impact will be for condo owners tween $550,000 and $700,000 to reflect current of punishing consumers for wanting to buy a says building maintenance fees will likely go home prices, Simpson says. home,” says Damian Stathonikos, director of up in strata-controlled developments. The industry is also waiting to see what the communications and public relations for the Condominium Homeowners Association of introduction of the HST might do to the housB.C. Real Estate Association. B.C. executive director Tony Gioventu notes ing market, which is starting to improve. “Last year, people spent $31 billion in resithat strata fees themselves will not be af“We’re likely going to see people acceleratdential real estate across the province. We are a fected, but the contract services hired by strata ing the process of buying a home before July 1, significant industry.” councils – landscaping, janitorial, property to get in before the tax,” Simpson says. Both Simpson and Stathonikos acknowledge management, etc. – will now be subject to the He also anticipates a much larger outcry that the HST will likely be beneficial for many 12 per cent HST. from the public, after homeowners start actubusiness sectors, but wonder why the housing “It could be a $40,000 or $50,000 impact on ally paying the HST. industry seems to be the hardest hit. The fact a strata that has a $1-million budget,” Gio“When (the HST) kicks in, you’ll hear them the HST announcement came on a Thursday ventu says, adding that it will likely amount screaming from the rooftops,” he says. “Right before a long weekend, without any industry to a one- to four-per-cent increase for most now, we’re screaming from the rooftops on consultation, is still a sore point. strata residents. Every building is different, their behalf.” D&
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Publisher: Fiona Harris • 604-575-5822 • publisher@newlocalhome.com Editor: Tricia Leslie • 604-575-5346 • editor@newlocalhome.com Advertising Sales - Black Press National Sales • Adrian Saunders • 604-575-5812 • adrians@blackpress.ca Online Advertising • Nicole Hutchinson • 604-575-5826 • nhutchinson@blackpress.ca Designer: Brad Smith • bsmith@blackpress.ca New Local Home is published once a week by Black Press Group Ltd. (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
New Local Home | August 27, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 3
4 • New Local Home | August 27, 2009
Live next to nature on the water
Trails, town centre just steps away CONTINUED FROM P.1
Fort-to-Fort trail is just steps from residents’ front door, and minutes away from the shops, boutiques, restaurants and services in Fort Langley’s town centre. Owners at Waterfront will have exclusive access to a landscaped private courtyard with an amenity facility offering a fitness room and a reading room. Dedicated park land surrounds the community, and the popular Fort-to-Fort Trail links to the regional greenway trail system and the Trans-Canada trail system. Bedford Landing has won numerous awards for the design of the community’s single-family homes and rowhomes, notes Klassen. “The goal was to create a diverse community that looked as if it was built over time,” says Klassen. “Every home in Bedford Landing has its own unique character, and the Waterfront will be no exception.” Rich, Craftsman-style architecture blends with unique, heritage inspired elements to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding
to Hwy 1
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Homes at Bedford Landing’s Waterfront Residences offer sweeping views of the Fraser River. The ParkLane project is part of a master-planned community in Fort Langley. Only 17 apartment residences remain in Waterfront; eight townhomes will be available this fall. Martin Knowles, mkphotomedia.com
New Local Home | August 27, 2009 • 5
LUXURY OCEANSIDE LIVING IN PARKSVILLE
like waking up on vacation... everyday The Residences at The Beach Club is the most coveted address in Parksville. The eight-story concrete condominium tower is a distinctive landmark and the stunning setting defies description. Interiors are elegant, spacious and supremely comfortable. Amenities include indoor pool, hot tub, steam room and gym. The ocean is just steps away. Those who live here revel in that holiday feeling every day. Completion Fall 2009.
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6 • New Local Home | August 27, 2009
Homes for active adults
‘Imagine waking up to this view every day’ CONTINUED FROM P.4
community. Waterfront offers a range of home plans to buyers, from garden-level one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom penthouses with expansive water views. Because of demand in the area for a housing option that would allow purchasers to remain close to their family, friends and community after moving out of the family home, Klassen says the decision was made to create the age 45-plus Waterfront residences. “The response has been incredible,” Klassen says. “We have been selling out quicker than we ever could have expected – we have only 17 apartments left, and we are releasing all eight townhomes this fall. Our buyers appreciate the high-end finishings and superior quality that they would expect from ParkLane. Many of them are also doing a lot of traveling and they like the convenience of the ‘lock-andleave’ lifestyle.” Open-concept floorplans allow homebuyers to lay out their furniture to their liking, and plenty of storage is available, including space in private, below-ground garages. Nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows accentuate the living space, while gourmet kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry and granite countertops. Bathrooms are made to pamper, and convenient built-in closet shelving comes included. Waterfront apartments start from $236,900 and the townhomes start from the mid-$700s. Visit the Waterfront discovery centre in Fort Langley or go to www.bedfordlanding. com for more information.
The Waterfront Residences at ParkLane Homes’ Bedford Landing in Fort Langley offer fabulous views of the Fraser River. Designed for active adults aged 45-plus, the apartment residences and townhomes are located close to nature and town. Photos by Martin Knowles, mkphotomedia.com
Nine-foot ceilings, open design and oversized windows allow plenty of natural light inside the homes at the Waterfront Residences. High quality finishings come standard. Photos by Martin Knowles, mkphotomedia.com
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New Local Home | August 27, 2009 â&#x20AC;¢ 7
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Limited Collection of 8 Waterfront Townhomes 7[OUW\S eOYW\U c^ SdS`g ROg b] bVWa a^SQbOQcZO` dWSe ]T bVS `WdS` 3\X]g g]c` []`\W\U Q]TTSS ]\ bVS POZQ]\g Oa g]c eObQV P]Oba O\R eWZRZWTS U] Pg O\R S\bS`bOW\ TO[WZg O\R T`WS\Ra ]\ g]c` ^`WdObS ^ObW] ]\Zg abS^a T`][ bVS eObS`Ã&#x201A;a SRUS :]QObSR W\ bVS OeO`R eW\\W\U Q][[c\Wbg ]T 0SRT]`R :O\RW\U bVSaS b]e\V][Sa O`S eOZYW\U RWabO\QS b] O eWRS `O\US ]T aV]^a O\R aS`dWQSa W\ PcabZW\U 4]`b :O\UZSg
2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 bedroom + den townhomes with private below-ground parking 1,680 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2,100 sq. ft. starting from mid $700â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ASQc`S g]c` ]^^]`bc\Wbg b] ^c`QVOaS Pg QOZZW\U b]ROg( $ " &&& %'!
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